Tagged: scott hairston

Mets’ pitching struggles

As I’m sitting here, watching the Mets getting creamed by the Phils and Roy Halladay in the 6th innings, I’m not very happy.  Yes, it may be because the starting pitching has sucked the last two days. 

The Mets starting pitching has been rotten the last two days, especially Mike Pelfrey.  Mike gave up seven runs last night, six of which were earned, and he couldn’t get out of the third.  Mike Pelfrey capped off his forgettable performance with a bloop that he let drop in front of the mound.  That was the correct play.  Throw to second and then to first for the double play.  Or, at least get the lead runner and then Blanton would be running the bases.  But Pelfrey threw to first, which you cannot do, and he threw it away! 

Pelfrey seems to get up tight and lose his confidence and concentration.  That cannot happen.  I mean, when you have been in the league since 2006, you need to get your head together.  I have been hard on Pelfrey, but come on.  He needs to find it quickly. 

One positive from yesterday’s game was the offense.  They came back, which was a great sign.  Just as long as the Mets fight hard and do the little things, they will be o.k.  I believe this is more important than wins in the first couple weeks. 

But, speaking of the little things, the Mets committed two errors today (so far) and Niese failed to get a bunt down, and in pro baseball, that is not excusable and that cannot happen.  Niese must be more prepared next time. 

Jon Niese gave up six runs today, and looked ‘not a so good.’  Jon had a little problem with his pitches, but he didn’t man up today.  He needed to buck up and get the guys out he needed to.  That’s the main difference between Halladay and Niese.  When Roy doesn’t have good stuff, he gets people out. 

I think the Mets need to look seriously into acquiring another arm for the rotation.  Maybe to put some pressure on them.  Yes, I’m overreacting. Once the Mets get on another streak and they start pitching well, things will be fine and I’ll be calm.  That’s what’s good about baseball.  There are games everyday. 

I’m also concerned about Lucas Duda.  He’s only got one hit and he has a tendency to slump.  I think he needs to find a way to avoid a major slump if he wants Beltran’s job next year.  Maybe the Mets should recall Evans, who I personally believed should have made it.  Scott Hairston has also been a concern.  I really thought that he would be strong, but he hasn’t so far.  It is still really though, and the Mets open at home with the Nats manana.

 

Mets split squad games

The Mets played a split squad series today versus the Atlanta Braves.  I haven’t had much time to blog today, so here are some quick notes.

  • The Mets won their home game, 7-4, and tied their second game at 3-3 in Orlando, FL.
  • Chris Capuano was lights out, pitching over five scoreless innings.  That also included striking out four out of five batters in a row.  With the Mets re-assigning Boof Bonser and sending Dillion Gee to AAA, it looks like he will be a viable starter and he’s a benefit because he is a southpaw.
  • Scott Hairston did it again, driving in three runs and hitting a triple. 
  • Willie Harris went yard and Nick Evans had a good day with the bat.
  • Oliver Perez let up four runs in less than one inning.  He walked one, a batter who was lefty, and non of his pitches were close.  It needs to end, NOW.  This can’t keep going on.  Even Dan Warthen, Ollie’s supporter, appears to be fed up.  Although Sandy Alderson wasn’t at the game, Jeff Wilpon was, which is encouraging of you are rooting against Perez. 

Opening Day roster

With the season only two weeks away, I began to think about who the Mets will cut and keep.  First, lets start with Oliver Perez.  No.  He shouldn’t be on the team.  Granted, he recently got ONE left handed batter out by making him pop up on the infield, but I don’t have confidence in him and neither should the coaches, front office, or the players.  What has he done to be given a roster spot?

Secondly, Scott Hairston needs to be on this team and will.  Though it is spring training, he has killed the ball.  He’s hit I think five home runs now and has had two seperate games with two.  He can help lead this team and provide consistency from the bench or in the lineup.  It’s good to have such a versitile player on your team.  The Mets have been lacking that for a few years, because he can play infield, outfield, and maybe pitch?

The large question that the Mets have to answer is who will be man-ing second base in Florida on April 1st.  Daniel Murphy, I wouldn’t go with him for the fact that his bat this spring has been below what I expected and his glove, well we know about that already. I think he should be on the team as a bench player because he does have the ability to play third, second, first, and dare I say it left field.  The only problem is that the team has a large number of players that could be on the team off the bench, so that someone who I think should make it will be cut.  Luis Castillo, well I have more simpathy for him now that he is playing better and he hasn’t been any worse than the others trying out.  He is the best defense the Mrets have avalible besides Hu, but his bat limits him in my eyes from ever being a long term starter.  And Castillo’s expirence helps his cause.  Justin Turner, I dont think he’s better than Murphy, Eamus, or Castillo so he is out by default.  I never really thought that he would be given a real chance.  I dont know a lot about Brad Eamus, but the problem with him not getting the job is he is a rule 5 player, so the team will have to offer him back to his previous team befor ethey can send him to the minors.  He hasn’t hit particularly well, either.  I like Luis Hernandez.  He has hit well during spring and his glove is good.  He is my personal favorite and I think he should get a chance, a real chance. 

As for pitchers, Jason Isringhausen should make it, providing expirence in the closers role and Pedro Beato should also be there.  I am also rooting for Pat Misch to make the club.    

Baseball is around the corner…

With baseball right around the corner, I thought that I should update my blog, as I dont post very often in the offseason.  First, I will start off with the Mets signing starting pitcher Chris Young to a one year, incentive based deal worth $1.1 million.  Young does have the opportunity to get up to $4.5 million if all of the incentives have been reached.  Young, who only pitched in four games last season, is 48-34 with an ERA of 3.80 in 135 games started. 

I think this is a low risk-high reward deal for the Mets.  The Mets arent expected to go anywhere this year, so if he blows apart, it wont be a major deal.  He is only making slightly over one million.  But, if he is good and stays healthy, he could really help this team.

The Mets also signed Scott Hairston to a one year deal worth reportedly $2 million.  This will be good for the Mets’ bench and second base.  To make room for these new additions, the Mets are reportedly close to releasing  Luis Castillo from the 40-man roster.  Yes!!!  Thats better than any acquisition.  

Many sports stations have been making a large deal over the Mets naming Mike Pelfrey as their opening day starter.  I mean, how much harm could it do?  The Mets are giving him the cushion and confidence knowing that going into spring, he will be on the team and play an important role.  And, that may be important for Big Pelf’s mind. 

And, one more thing.  My brother and I were debating Pujols.  All I can hope is that the Mets can open roster space to pay for him.  He is a future Hall of Famer all ready and would provide power, stability, professionalism to the team.